Taking you through the Christian Funeral Service Guide
The Christian ideology is that upon death, one would pass on to heaven, hell, or purgatory depending on the actions and beliefs of the departed. If exemplary, one will enter heaven and be in the presence of the Lord, while sinners – depending on their sins – will visit purgatory to serve time and repent, or go to hell.
The Christian funeral service is to allow for the appropriate religious rites to be conducted by church leaders, as well as to remember and celebrate the life of the departed through hymns and prayers.
The process is similar across all denominations, though Protestants and Catholics do differ at some parts. If in doubt, it is best to consult with your spiritual leader for advice. That said, the typical Christian funeral service for both Protestants and Catholics is divided into three parts – the vigil, the funeral service and Rite of Committal, and the reception or wake.
The Christian vigil
When a Christian person passes in Singapore, one will need a medical professional to certify the death either at the home or hospital (if they are there). A pastor or minister is also called upon to give rites on the deathbed if needed.
The body may be cleaned and prepared by the family or be moved to a funeral home for the vigil. During this time, the family will need to decide on the location (usually home, church or funeral home) and also speak to the religious advisor who may have registered the departed’s choice of hymns and prayers to be used for the funeral.
The vigil will happen before the funeral service, with close friends and other family gathering to remember the departed through recall, prayers and hymns. The air is usually more light-hearted as it celebrates the life of the departed and their passage to heaven. During this time, the church or funeral director such as Memorial Funeral will assist with the logistics, including chairs and catering if needed.
The funeral service, which typically happens on the third day, begins when the coffin arrives at the location. During this time, family and friends may visit the venue and this begins the Christian funeral service proper.
The Christian funeral service itself
During the actual funeral service, which lasts for a few hours to a few days, anyone can attend to visit the departed in their casket. For Protestants, the sessions will be filled with readings of Psalms, singing of hymns and prayer songs chosen by the departed or family. They can also include eulogies to the person.
For Catholics, the focus on rites takes precedence and so eulogies are usually minimal and delayed until the Rite of Committal just before the person is buried or cremated. Catholics can choose to add a funeral Mass also known as Requiem Mass) or have a funeral liturgy instead. With the former, there’s prayer and holy communion when the mourners will receive the body in the casket at this juncture instead. With the liturgy, there will be no holy communion and the body will be ready at the venue.
Religious representatives may choose to conduct sermons during this period, and visitors of any denomination may choose to attend at any point. It is good etiquette to leave only when a sermon, prayer or hymn session is completed.
Logistics are kept to a minimum, but the receiving of gifts such as wreaths can be made easier with tasked personal handling the placement, especially if space is limited.
When the Rite of Committal is upon the family, they can opt to have the pastor or minister lead some prayers. They will then follow the casket to the final destination whether it’s a crematorium or burial ground. Singapore has one non-denominational crematorium – Mandai Crematorium and Columbarium Complex, and one burial site – Choa Chu Kang Cemetery Complex. The minister or priest will then conduct the final rites at that location, and it is here when Catholics allow a eulogy to be said before the body is sent into the fire or ground.
In the case of cremation, the family will remain to collect the urn.
The reception or wake
After the service is over, the family may hold a reception or wake. This more casual affair is similar to the vigil, but also made more public for anyone who wishes to leave their condolences and give praise to the departed. Again, hymns and prayers are common, but light refreshments are also provided at this event.
Guests are advised to avoid bright colours, with black and navy being the most common colours seen. Modest clothing is recommended. Gifts of food, flowers or cards can be handed to the family.
The mourning period for Christians is usually 40 days, and at the end of the period, the family may choose to hold a memorial. Similar to the wake, this can be a private or invited affair, with similar activities and refreshments made available. Thus concludes the full Christian funeral service.
Allow the experienced specialists of Memorial Funeral to help you with your affairs and prepare you for an orderly and complete Christian funeral service.
